POLITICAL AFFAIRS OFFICER

Organizational Context

This position is within the United Nations Mine Action Service (UNMAS) of the Department of Peace Operations (DPO) in New York. UNMAS, established in 1997, coordinates UN mine action, leads operational responses, and develops standards and policies to eliminate the threat of mines and explosive remnants of war. The role primarily supports the Policy, Advocacy and Donor Relations and Outreach Section (PADROS) and the Office of the Director.

Job Purpose

The Political Affairs Officer will gather, analyze, and disseminate information on political issues, with a specific focus on their impact on mine action. The role involves staying updated on mine action trends, providing substantive advice to senior officials and field missions, and monitoring national and regional developments. The incumbent will offer technical and substantive support for mine action mandates, liaise with UN sectors, international organizations, and governments on coordination and policy, and track activities within the mine action sector. Additionally, the position requires preparing for high-level meetings, managing data visualization for reporting, and performing related duties to ensure effective mine action operations and policy implementation.

Responsibilities

Key duties include gathering and analyzing information from various sources, maintaining up-to-date knowledge of political issues affecting mine action, and monitoring global trends. The role involves providing advice to field missions and UN agencies, offering technical and substantive support for mine action mandates, and coordinating with other UN entities, international organizations, and governments. Responsibilities also encompass monitoring activities of intergovernmental groups and NGOs in the mine action sector, managing and storing relevant data, and participating in fact-finding missions. Furthermore, the position requires providing secretariat services for coordination groups and meetings, preparing for high-level engagements, and utilizing data visualization for reporting and decision-making.

Work Experience

A minimum of five years of progressive experience in political affairs, international relations, law, disarmament, security, development management, or conflict resolution is necessary. Experience in mine action is desirable, as is experience in coordinating inter-agency and inter-governmental processes.

Skills

Professionalism, substantive analysis of mine action policy, understanding of UN mandates and legal frameworks, ability to identify and analyze political issues, report drafting, policy recommendation formulation, strategic document coordination, communication (written and verbal), and teamwork.

Explore related opportunities